Below are some pictures I took while out during the Liberation Day celebration.

This has to be the most fun a person can have in Kuwait. It's no the men chasing the women trying to get their numbers. Or the women covered in so much make up they're not even recognizable by their own family. This is clean fun (other than the foam everywhere) for the entire family. It's a time when kids can act like kids, and so can the adults. I'm sure there were some issues that night (fights, theft, alcohol, etc), but that's to be expected when you have a crowd this size. Overall, this is great fun for everyone.

I literally have a couple hundred more pictures as well as videos. If you're interested, please email me using the form at the bottom of this page.

Enjoy!

25 random things about Kuwait

OK, I gotta say, I really do appreciate those of you who read my blog. I know you have shed a tear or two of boredom, but you're still pulled back here for some unknown reason. Thank you!

That being said -- I am not the "hook up" girl. Not personally or professionally. I never set friends up with friends (though I may encourage, I don't plan it). And I certainly don't provide "dating" advice to complete strangers online looking for sexual relations or marriage for green cards. Do I know where you can find a prostitute in Kuwait? Eh, more than likely. It's not like they're hiding or disguised as reputable women. Am I going to provide you this information, give you a ride, and loan you KD20 for the event? Um, NO! Oh, it's not just you men -- the women are seeking too. No, they're not looking for prostitutes, they're looking for husbands; preferably Kuwaiti.

I have absolutely no doubt I have covered both of these topics extensively in previous posts.

Remember? Kuwaiti men are not all "rich". Most of them are in debt for 7 generations. Even more than that are married with children. The few who aren't married are either under the age of 16, only looking for "fun" (that falls under that prostitute category), or widowed and he is (OK, his money is) closely protected by immediate family. So if you're some 45 year old woman pretending to be 25, hanging out in Kuwait in hopes of finding that ONE wealthy citizen who has been dying to marry an uneducated, unemployed, financially destitute foreigner -- don't hold your breath. It's not going to happen!!

As for you men -- stop chasing the hookers from country to country. What is going on here? A competition to see how fast you can either contract or spread HIV internationally? Seriously, dudes, stop it already! Men in general are my favorite creatures because they really are so incredibly simple they become complex. Food, sex, and sleep -- that's all they need. And certainly not necessarily in that order. And some can even skip a few meals and miss a few hours sleep from time to time. I know many American men who work 12.5 hours a day, commute 3 hours to and from work (total), and still have a woman who resembles the maid laying in their bed when they get home. Not sure about the rest of you -- but um, I like time to relax, have a meal, and some sleep!

Oh well, to each his own I suppose. I'm just thankful my brain is semi functional and located in my skull.

So, if you have questions about the weather, life, culture, people, obtaining residency or a driver's license -- I will gladly assist you. But if you're looking for a hooker or a husband, I won't be offering up anyone I know. Sorry 'bout that.

Over a period of a lifetime we'll meet so many people there's no way to ever remember them all, their names, faces, or how they even entered your life. At some point some will be seen as a great impact, yet not too long afterwards will be forgotten.

Of course there are the close ones, the best ones, the ones who really matter. Then you have those you like, have nothing against, but find it difficult to be around for one reason or another. And finally, you have those who are just outright mentally unstable. These are the ones I question. Not the person themselves, but our level of responsibility as their friend. It's easy to express "like" and "dislike" towards people, and in a short time they get the idea of what your real feelings about them are. But how do you express "You are truly not acting like you're sane, you need to get back to reality, and grow up" to someone? The more you give the more they take. The less you give, the more angry they are. You ignore them and you're accused of "abandonment". So there's no real happy middle ground with these people. It's almost a struggle. No wait, it is a struggle to be a friend to them because, well, you really have no idea who they are. Chances are -- they don't either. When you reach out a hand to them it's the "wrong" hand. And when you offer nothing at all then you're not being a "good friend."

OK, sounds obvious, huh? Save all the drama and let it go. Ignore it. Forget about it. And don't look back. Right? So you would think. But what about when you get absorbed into their fantasy and tall tales? What about when this becomes a form of entertainment? No no, not laughing at a person and their life -- just the one they pretend to live. Is it the same? Is it still bad? Oh pleaseeee let me have some fun! It's not like I have medical documentation or any other factual evidence of mental instability. Nor do I believe we're dealing with a real chemical imbalance. Just someone who struggles with truth and lies; fantasy and reality.

I know the right thing to do is to tell this person you know they're not being honest, and to encourage them to always be as honest as they can, and that you're there as a friend to support them. Right? OK, been there, done that. Not quite so bluntly, but I did tell this person it was not necessary to fabricate or embellish anything with me, as I was simply impressed with them, and not everything surrounding them. This took us into another set of dishonesty's all together. It was moot, and not a road I intend to travel in the future. Furthermore, I have tried to cut ties. Break away, and just let it all go. But that didn't really work either as I was then told I wasn't loyal or dependable.

I've come to realize at the ripe ol age of ??, it's no longer as easy as ripping Barbie's head off, screaming, "I hate you!", then running home to mommy. We have to struggle at times. And we really have to wonder if we're doing the right thing by allowing certain people to remain part of our lives.

Very strange that I find ending friendships as difficult as I do starting relationships. Hmm, at this rate I may look around and realize I'm old and alone. But I can promise one thing -- I would be happy and drama free!

OK, forgive this post -- maybe I am mean and nasty, I dunno. But have you ever had someone sitting in the office next to yours who is constantly coughing, hacking, wheezing, and blowing their nose? No, people, this person is not dying -- I think it's a HABIT! Which makes this all the more annoying. Do they even know they're doing it? Even worse, do I do little things like this unknowingly?! (The answer to that one is NO by the way)

What recourse do I have here? I can't just storm over there and say, "Hey, enough of this repulsive noise making all day!" However, it has definitely hindered my ability to eat lunch in my office -- which I prefer to do. Who on earth can listen to all that and eat?!

Is it rude to pop in with a pack of Halls? Or should I quietly leave them on their desk? What about a bottle of something really strong -- perhaps to knock them out all day? Or maybe a subtle hint? What if I start coughing, wheezing, and hacking at the top of my lungs all day? Think this will send a message?

Oh pleaseeee, just make it go away!

---

Yeah, yeah, I have said it many times before -- 'I rarely discuss my personal life here'. Oh well, today is a little different.

You people are my therapy, not the other way around! Got it?!

So here goes...

A few weeks ago I had a birthday -- some would call it a "milestone" or something like that (no, I did not turn 60, or even close, so stop it already!). I was still pretty sore from the accident, taking a good amount of pain medication, and my birthday just came and went like another day. No big deal in my world. Who caressss about getting a little older and covering a few more gray hairs? Ha, not me!

Or so I thought.

Here we are, a few weeks later, a lot less pain, and virtually no pain meds at all. I'm OLD! When did this happen? How could another year pass and me not enter into it kicking and screaming? Have I come to some ridiculous acceptance of this fact? Have I given up the fight?

Not a chance! With every passing day (as I get older), medi-spas are getting more and more advanced. As long as Botox and Laser Skin Resurfacing are available, I am going to fight this battle with every ounce of energy (and every dinar) I have! I have yet to completely cave into all of this yet, though I am rather faithful when it comes to microdermabrasion. This is a must for all skin, regardless of age. Especially if you live in the desert and require that extra 'umph' of clean.

So here I am, older, wise, more grounded in life and where I am heading. Huh? Did I just type that? Uh yeah, whateveeeeeerrrr! I don't feel a bit different than I did when I was 25 other than the fact my joints hurt a little more in the morning, and I require a mirror to remind me I'm no longer 21. I suppose I have matured a bit, and perhaps this comes from being a mother moreso than being "old". I do seem to make better decisions now when it comes to certain things, but then always repeat the same mistakes when it comes to others. Maybe that's the difference between charisma and character. Though according to Webster -- they're one in the same.

Don't get me wrong; aging really isn't some tragic event that hits you like a train travelling at 180mph down a track. It's slow, gradual, and really kinda fun. Till you stop to think about it -- that's when you wet your pants and wonder if that's due to age or the realization of age.

I recall when I was younger and my grandmother was still alive -- she was probably in her 50's, though I saw her as ancient. I would spend a lot of time with her during the summers. My grandfather was always working, she was always at home doing "womanly" stuff around the house. I saw her as the coolest, most fun person around. My grandma was a little tiny woman from the south and a very heavy accent. She was kind, generous, and loving, but wasn't one you wanted to anger. She would rarely raise her voice, but if she didn't like you -- you knew it. My mother (her daughter) got to a place in her life where making my grandmother happy was the core of her own happiness. I remember grandma calling my mom saying, "I think I want to come visit you today." Since my grandmother had never learned to drive, this meant my mom would have to go pick her up -- until I was driving, then I would. She would get to the house, sit on the couch (with purse in lap), and 20 minutes later say, "Well, I get I better get back home to your granddaddy now". And so she would.

Since I have been overseas for a number of years now, and my mom is still in the states, our communication is via telephone - numerous times a day. While I'm away she stays in my home, takes care of my little family there, and has pretty much given up her entire life so I could enhance mine. During my trips home several times a year, I have slowly discovered she's my best friend. We laugh together, we love the same things on television, enjoy the same restaurants, take advantage of spa and shopping days, and just relax in the yard under all the trees with a good cup of coffee. We can talk for hours, disagree about some things and laugh about the rest. My mother is kind, compassionate, loving, and generous. As much as I realized she is my best friend, I think I have also realized she's exactly like my grandmother.

I hope this means I am exactly like my mother.

So, today is my "guess what?" day. Just kinda random, nothing really overly important, but a couple of things come to mind.

First -- Filling up your gas tank. Ever drive a friend's car, a rental, a new purchase, or something you've recently stolen? Next thing you know you're needing gas, pulling into the station and trying to look in the side view mirrors to see which side your gas tank is on. Did you know there's a much easier way? Or was I the only person who had absolutely no clue till about this until a few months ago? OK, next time you get into your car, look at the little picture of the gas tank (next to your gas needle). You'll see an arrow beside that pointing either to the left or the right -- this is the side your gas tank is located on! How ingenious is this? How is it I went through the majority of my life, always saying, "Um, what side it is on?" and never realizing there was an arrow with a purpose right in front of my face! This definitely borders on being as genius as the invention of the wheel. Almost like all of life's little mysteries answered on your dashboard. If I never learned another thing before I die... I feel complete with this.

Next!

Reading the Arab Times is part of my daily routine, like the trip to Starbucks. Though today it was The Coffee Bean instead. Is there a reason this place is still in business? I ordered my mocha over ice aka Iced Venti no whip Mocha at Starbucks. I was handed a cup which seemed rather small with a few pebbles of crushed ice, and a liquid appearing to be milk. I had to ask if it was "white chocolate" to which he replied, "No ma'am, we don't have white chocolate here." Coulda fooled me -- this stuff looked white. However, it didn't taste like white chocolate, but instead more like milk over ice with a hint of, hmmm, something. Anyway, not good, never going there again, and didn't like it at all.

Oh yeah, the Arab Times -- love it. Can't really tell if it's bordering on tabloid trash or quality news, but I enjoy the quantity of stories and coverage. Remember, this is the one I said always leaves me hanging when they fail to give all the information about an incident in the crime section? So today, while sucking down milk over ice (pretending it tasted all chocolatey and whatnot), I came across something rather interesting in the newspaper. Often you hear these types of things happen, but rarely is it publicized, especially in a forum visible to all readers.

Below is the article -- it speaks for itself.

Son’s irate conduct forces mom,daughters to shift in desert tent

KUWAIT CITY : Police are looking for an unidentified youth for harassing his family, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily. In her complaint to the police the suspect’s mother said her son gave her so much pain, she had no option but to leave the house with her three daughters and live in a camp. The mother added the son became violent after he received clips on his cell phone from his friends about his sisters and he began to suspect their behavior. She added life had become a misery because the son allowed her to use the cell phone only for a short while and totally prevented the sisters from leaving the house if they are not accompanied by him. A case has been registered at a police station. The son will be summoned for interrogation.

 

Either I have totally lost it or I'm spotting UFOs right outside my window. If any of you have ever seen or experienced what I have, please contact me and share your story. It's also a way to ensure I am still semi sane... thank you!

Two nights ago, while talking to my mom in the states on the phone, I see a large ball of fire appearing to be headed for my window. It was dark outside and I have huge windows, am rather high up, located across the street from the beach. At first glance it appeared to be a helicopter in flames coming towards my apartment. But as it got closer, and I hung up on my mother, I could see clearly it was simply a ball of fire (still heading towards my apartment). But as soon as it got close enough that I could almost really understand what I was looking at, it instantly turned and headed out over the sea. It was slow moving, bright greenish/reddish color fire, and seemed to just disappear at some point. It didn't look as though it had been launched from the ground like fireworks, and it certainly wasn't falling back towards the ground -- like one would expect a helicopter engulfed in flames to do. This was just floating slowly out to sea, but in the air. Once this one was no longer visible, another one appeared. The second one wasn't nearly as large or close to my window. And if vanished almost as quickly as it had appeared, almost leading me to believe it was a reflection of the other one.

The following morning as I am telling my friend about this, she listens, then pauses and says, "Wow, I heard the same exact thing from a guy last week but his sighting was a year or more ago." I was shocked to hear someone else had seen something similar, but she had no further details. I've asked a few people, but no one else has a clue... and some even look at me like I'm nuts. My mother suggested I call the building hariss and ask if he knew what it was, but I was fearful he too might think I was a little off.

In my entire life I've never been one to spot "UFOs" or anything that was unidentifiable in the sky. Generally there was an excuse for everything, and it always made sense to me. I've never thought twice about the "life on other planets" theory, because I figure as long as they're not here bothering me, I don't have much interest in getting to know them.

Now, this thing I saw in the sky a couple of nights ago is undoubtedly not some UFO carrying little green aliens from Mars. Nor do I believe it's something only NASA could identify. I honestly think it was either a commercial type firework which didn't burst like it was supposed to, but ended up being a fiery "dud" instead. Or perhaps it was some remnant of oil burning from the fields from the other side of the sea. No evidence of either -- but I am very curious.

I searched the newspapers the past 2 days, but have seen nothing at all discussing my big ball of fire. How is it possible I was the only person in all of Kuwait to see this? Its glow was bright, and extended several meters. No, I am not on any medication! Nor should I be!

Any thoughts? Ideas? (Other than the ones requiring me to spend time in an institution)

Ever see one of these before? Is it common?

I'm sure it's not a secret to anyone that writing is my passion. It's what I love to do, and it's an easy method of self expression in my opinion. If relationships with everyone were via text only, I could rule the world! Not because I'm so great, just that I can be so much more expressive when writing.

So, the other day someone says to me, "I feel like your life is a little boring." My question to them is, "Why are you feeling anything about my life at all?" Either way, I figured it was something worth evaluating -- and I did. I have determined I don't base the excitement level of my life on how many friends I have, or how many parties I attend, how many clubs I go to, or how many hours a day I spend outside of my home. I'm not 21 anymore (shhh, don't tell). Not that getting older means crawl up in a ball and give up on life all together. But to me, I have taken on a new sense of pleasure. A very simple please even.

Not so many years ago I rushed off to Dubai to stay at the Burj Al Arab when it first opened. Soon after I was off to small ports on Elba Island in Italy. Before and after that time I have spent a great deal of my precious life on airplanes, between here, there, and everywhere. I met people from all walks of life, all countries, all cultures, and have even maintained contact with many. Lovely acquaintances, not quality friends. I recall easily dancing for hours in heels that now make me cringe at the sight of them. Or seeing exactly how long this human body could stay awake before collapsing from complete exhaustion. All of this has taught me how lovely variety can be, how gorgeous other lands are, and how I need more sleep than I ever thought. I learned a lot about everything, and so little about me.

Today I embrace my simple pleasures. These wonderful things some might call "boring." I no longer need the endless parties, weekend get aways with non-stop go, go, go. I've experienced the most luxurious in all the world, and most humble. I am happy right in between. I live a comfortable life with gorgeous living conditions in both Kuwait and America. I have a lucrative career, and job security. I have quality friends, though a small circle of them. I have parents who are my best friends... and children who say I am theirs. I am most comfortable in my "Life is Good" socks, a cup of good coffee in hand, and a gorgeous view out the window. My heart is still youthful and my thoughts still sometimes immature, but my life has grown up around me and I like it.

Finally, when I look around and start to question it all -- I turn on the computer and start to bang out my thoughts here. I'll let you know if I ever find the answers. Until that time comes, I'll be kicked back in my socks... pondering.

(Side Note: The photo of the bedrooom in the post below is not my actual bedroom. The bedding is the set I have on my bed though [Croscill - Opulence] and it was the only photo I could find.I've had numerous emails complimenting "my" bedroom, when it's not mine at all. But if any of you can paint and decorate, feel free to stop by!)

Not to be confused with reversed discrimination -- but in many ways could run parallel.

Here goes...

Hookers... what on earth is up with the hookers and excessive prostitution? No, I am not blind and not really even that naive. I am fully aware it's the "world's oldest profession" though it seems the tolerance and acceptance of this has increased dramatically lately. Or I am just reallllllyhanging out with some pretty desperate people. Either way... ew!

I won't even bother going into detail my feelings about prostitution as I think it's obvious. Dirty, nasty, disgusting, lack of self respect and self worth. The list goes on and on. Of course the men who solicit these services are only promoting the above stated nauseating actions.

Yeah, I know, many men (and some women) say marriage or relationships are just another form of prostitution. Once you add up all the bills, dinners, dates, drinks, car payments, etc. you could have skipped all the headache and just bought a chick for the night (or a few minutes -- depending on the man). Perhaps financially speaking they have a valid point. But marriages and/or relationships aren't about material items or possessions. They're based on love and mutual respect of one another. For a man to think his wife could be a hooker on the side while he's at work is repulsive to him... since of course she is "his" woman; the one he respects and adores.

Or does he?

With a little more evaluation of the situation I have to ask, who is really being respected?

Is it the wife who sits at home in the house provided by her husband while raising his children, cooking his meals, and sleeping in his bed?

Or is it the woman he pays by the hour to perform acts that perhaps his wife isn't interested in, or too tired to perform?

Then again, maybe these are sexual acts he's never even discussed with his wife -- the deep dark secrets stemming from some childhood tragedy in the desert (or woods, depending on your geographical location).

Either way -- does a house, financial stability, and children equal respect? Absolutely not. However, being honest about what you're seeking, paying for those services, and agreeing on this situation does equal respect. No, not the kind one would show his mother. But it's certainly more honest, open, and real.

Here in Kuwait prostitution is prevalent, regardless of how desperately some want to deny it. You often read how some poor, innocent, sweet, young girl from some far away land (I am really holding back here, ugh!) has been "forced" into this lifestyle by some horrible "pimp." Sounds tragic huh? Well, I'm sure this has happened before, and maybe sometimes happens now. But what I can say certainly happens often, without a doubt, are these "poor" girls have no qualms about chasing a man (in person, via phone calls, and text messages) to the point of bordering on stalking him if he has led her to believe she's more than just a 7 minute sexual partner. No offense, men, but I have seen many of you who have married your "friend" and dragged her home to America. She didn't fall in love with your "charming" personality, GQ looks, or GED. (This is where I scream "green card, blue passport - Lucky Charms!")

In the end -- after the home is bought, the kids are asleep, the hooker is paid, the sexual needs are met, and you crawl back in bed with your wife -- where does your real respect lie? Considering the aforementioned, I am guessing it's nonexistent.

Fair enough?

Last night I watched a really interesting episode of 20/20 about love, falling in love, knowing when you're in love, and my personal favorite -- what makes us fall in love with some people, but not others?

Based on personality traits and characteristics people were categorized and "labeled". It seems certain labels are more compatible than others -- even if we aren't initially attracted to that person. Furthermore, the study showed that often we know what we want, but rarely do we know what we need. I can say this is definitely true in my case.

This leads me to my own theory, which I have had for years...

Men need to be wanted, and women want to be needed. I mentioned this earlier this morning to someone (via text communication) and it just seemed to set my little wheels spinning over here today. As if I have nothing better to do.

So yes, I feel that men are perfectly happy being involved with a woman who expressed often how desired he really is, while ever so gently stroking his ego on a continual basis, always taking great care to protect his male pride at all cost.

On the other hand, I feel women are happiest when they're needed. Don't get me wrong, we love our share of pampering and compliments as well, but it's not what we base a relationship on. I believe our maternal instinct leads us to believe that if a man needs us (whether it be to stroke his ego, cook his meals, manage his business, or well...you get the idea), then he must also love us. OK, soooo not the case.

Once the wanting and needing reverse roles, and the woman feels simply wanted, and the man feels needed....disaster generally strikes. To "need" someone is an indication you place a certain expectation to meet a responsibility on them. No offense men, but um, obligations and dedication are rarely your forte'. And if the rest of you women are anything like me, you'll agree, when a man wants something it's pretty much the same thing he could get from any other woman on the streets. Since we all have one and I suppose they're pretty much the same. So when we begin to feel only "wanted" and nothing else, it cheapens our place in the relationship and suddenly puts us on a level playing field with every other woman out there. Not a good place to be since we all like to feel irreplacable.

In the end, where does all of this lead us? Probably nowhere.

How many times have you (women) shed a tear over a man you regretted ever meeting less than a year later? And how many stalkerish phone calls and text messages have you been a part of that later made you realize how foolish that was? Finally, how many minutes, hours, days, or weeks, have you stressed over some man who was never worth the first "hello"? Too many to count! And where did it get us? Not married to Mr. Right, and wishing we had never even encountered Mr. Wrong.

So what's the answer? No clue. Though I will say with age I have learned there is nothing more valuable than me when it comes to relationships. Not that he means nothing, but the idea of ever losing my self respect or dignity over some silly man again is just not on my list of things to do this lifetime... or the remainder of it.

As for men -- see below for their behavior.                   

Some hurt in fight over girl: Police have arrested four Kuwaiti youths for fighting inside a camp in Judailat. The fight was over a right to make friends with an unidentified young woman, reports Al-Dar daily.

The daily quoting security sources said one youth reportedly shot at a fifth compatriot Kuwaiti with a Kalashnikov rifle and one bullet hit him in the foot.

All of them were reportedly injured. The friend who was hit in the foot has been admitted to a hospital.

The arrest came after the officials of the Public Relations Department of Jahra hospital reported the incident to police.